As many of you know, Android handsets only have a finite amount of time until software updates are eventually dropped. To be fair to the manufacturers, it’s tough to offer long term software support due to the sheer number of new devices released each year, but the news always comes as a disappointment.

Today Sony Mobile has compiled a rather long list of devices that will no longer be receiving official software updates. The smartphones in question range in age from about a year and a half to two years old, which is pretty much the typical lifespan of most Android handsets, although two years is still arguably a little short.

No doubt this is disappointing news for some of you out there, but on the plus side it’s nice to know that Sony is being upfront about future device support. There are plenty of cases where consumers have been patiently waiting for updates which never materialised.

How do you feel about Android software support, should manufacturers be expected to continually push out updates for old handsets, or is short term support a small price to pay for more regular hardware refreshes?

Sony announced today that it is rolling out updates to a number of its Xperia line of phones: the Xperia P, Xperia U, Xperia Go and Xperia Sola. Sorry, you’re not getting Jelly Bean yet—that likely won’t be until 2013—but at least if you’re running Gingerbread on your Xperia P you’ll finally be getting Ice Cream Sandwich.

Changes will obviously vary depending on which device you’re using, but Sony mentions improvements to stability, camera, messaging, Wi-Fi, NFC and tethering and hotspot functionality. Aside from that, the only updates mentioned are performance tweaks and bug fixes.

Users of the Xperia U, Xperia Go and Xperia Sola will be able to download the update over the air, assuming they have already upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich. If you’re still running Gingerbread (why?) you’ll have to use PC Companion or Bridge for Mac.

For you Xperia P users, you’ll apparently get a notification when the update is ready, but according to Sony “direct availability in the phone may vary across different markets and carriers.” Hey, you’ve waited this long; you can wait a little longer, right?

No exact timeline is available for these updates so far. The blog post from Sony simply mentions that the updates will be rolling out “over the coming weeks.” For more information on upgrading your specific device, check out the source links below.

Have you received the update for any of these Xperia phones yet? Have you noticed any major improvements in performance or usability?

It was only quite recently that the Sony Xperia U made the jump from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich, but now we’re already hearing reports that Sony is preparing to upgrade the phone to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The first one came from an unofficial source, which claimed that an insider has spilled the beans on the Jelly Bean update for the phone. Apparently, the Xperia U, as well as the Xperia Go, Sola, and P, will be getting Jelly Bean in December.

While it may sound too good to be true, a more legit source, in this case Sony Mobile Italy’s Facebook page, seems to back the report, though it stops short in giving a specific timeline. The admin on the page only said that Sony is planning to release the Android 4.1 software update for the Xperia U.

It’s worth to note that the Xperia U is missing from the official Jelly Bean upgrade list for Xperia handsets that Sony released last month. It’s possible that Sony has had a change of heart, yet again. More on this as we hear it.

The wait for Android ICS has probably been more than a little painful for Canadian owners of the Sony Xperia U. The good news is that Sony has now announced that you can ditch Gingerbread and jump into the Ice Cream Sandwich goodness. The update is available now via Sony’s PC Companion software.

With Android 4.2 recently unveiled this update might seem more than a little anticlimactic for Xperia U owners. While Sony creates high-quality smartphones, they tend to be more than a little behind the times when it comes to bringing out the latest versions of Android. That being said, getting ICS is still worlds better than being stuck with Gingerbread.

Holding out for news about Jelly Bean? Unfortunately, Sony recently listed several devices that the company confirms are definitely getting updated to Jelly Bean and the Xperia U isn’t one of them. The good news is that Sony has already mentioned it is still evaluating potential upgrade possibilities for the Xperia U, so we can at least cross our fingers for the time being.

Have you updated your Sony Xperia U yet, how did it go? Loving the switch to ICS?

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-u-ics-upgrade-127498/feed/0ICS Updates are now rolling out for Sony Xperia Sola, Sony Xperia go, and Sony Xperia Uhttp://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-sola-go-u-ics-official-update-118664/
http://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-sola-go-u-ics-official-update-118664/#commentsFri, 28 Sep 2012 15:30:52 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=118664
Sony has been very busy as of late and it is starting to show. With over a dozen Sony Xperia devices currently on the market, it may seem unfathomable they get updates out to any of them. Mostly because it always seems like they’re on the precipice of releasing another device. However, they do find the time and the Sony Xperia Sola, Sony Xperia Go, and Sony Xperia U are all now getting official Ice Cream Sandwich.

For many, you should be getting that wonderful notification that says you have a firmware update available. Since you’re going to a whole new version of Android, it should be pretty big. So make sure you are plugged into a power source or at least have a full battery charge.

If you’re not getting it, don’t panic. Sometimes update roll outs can take a few days or even a week or more. You can always try to force the update by going into Settings, then About Phone, and manually checking for an update.

What are the features for the Sony Xperia updates?

There are a lot of them. For all three devices, you should see many of the same features. Some are native to ICS, others are baked in by Sony. A partial list includes:

New Sony Walkman applications for music, pictures, and video content.

Extended standby mode allows for much longer battery life while in standby.

Improved lock screen.

Re-sizable widgets to help make things fit where you want them.

Improved control of data consumption.

Recent Apps button added.

The Sony Xperia Sola gets a particularly awesome feature with this update. It is the ability to use the phone while wearing gloves. It sounds simple, but this isn’t a function most Android devices have. With most, you must either buy special gloves or take them off to operate your device.

Sony Xperia Sola comes with functionality called Floating Touch. It is currently the only Android device on Earth that does. With it, you can control your phone without actually touching it. You can see a nifty demonstration video of Floating Touch here.

When you unlock the screen with Floating Touch in the new ICS update, it’ll automatically enable Glove Mode. From there, you’ll be able to use your phone with literally any glove on. Yes, even boxing gloves. Don’t believe me? Check out the demonstration video.

With all three devices getting Ice Cream Sandwich at once, and the Sola getting the unique Glove Mode, these Xperia devices should be getting a lot more fun for their owners. Are you excited about the updates and have you gotten them yet? Let us know!

You can say a lot of things about Sony, but you surely can’t say the Japan-based tech company hasn’t been quick on the trigger with ICS updates. The Xperia makers have adopted a somewhat different strategy than all the other Android “players”, choosing to roll out Android 4.0 upgrades to older phones before newer ones, proving that Ice Cream Sandwich can run on pretty much any kind of hardware configuration.

Now, according to a post on Sony Mobile’s official blog, the ICS upgrade for the mid-range Xperia U has its first official ETA. You can therefore expect Android 4.0 to come to the stylish 3.5-incher by the end of September, although depending on your location and exact model of your phone, you might have to wait a bit longer.

“The ICS rollout for Xperia U will kick-off within the next few weeks and rollout gradually – more information to follow soon!” reads Sony’s full announcement on the matter, which might sound like a rather polite way to say that they don’t exactly know when they’ll start the update. Then again, Sony has been good with deadlines these past few months, so we have no reason to think they won’t come through on this “promise” as well.

Sony’s blog post includes answers to other frequently asked questions from IFA 2012, but these in no way bring any notable news to the table. We do get to hear again that the Xperia T and Tablet S will launch “over the next few weeks”, while the V and J will be available in “Q4”. We’re also promised that the T’s battery is “awesome”, being capable of an autonomy of up to five hours in video playback time, 7 hours in talk time and 450 hours in standby.

Getting back to the updating subject, let’s just say we’re happy to see Sony keeping up the good work and we hope that they’ll follow a similar policy with Jelly Bean’s rollout. Of course, we wouldn’t expect 2011 Xperia phones to get Android 4.1 before higher-end devices, but how cool would it be to see JB on the Xperia S and P soon?

Back a few months ago, I wrote an article explaining the top reasons why you shouldn’t buy a cheap smartphone. While I still hold true to the principle that you should always go for the highest-end smartphone you can afford, the actual reality is that many people simply can’t even afford to buy a mid-end smartphone (catch a list of the top mid-end smartphones of 2012 here), not to mention a top-end Android smartphone. And then, there’s the category of people that simply don’t want and need the ultimate best in Android smartphones. In these situations, the only remaining choice is to go for a cheap smartphone.

Judging on the fact that a top-end Android smartphone is generally priced at $600 unlocked, while a mid-end Android smartphone is usually priced at $350-$400, I would say that imposing a $250 upper price tag for a cheap smartphone should be a fair thing to do. If spending around 200 bucks on a smartphone that won’t suck badly is still too much for your budget, my advice is that you go for a refurbished or a second hand smartphone (start with the models in the mid-range list, and then continue with those in this list until you find something you can afford).

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you’ll purchase a cheap Android smartphone that is not on this list, you’ll probably end up regretting your choice. If you still haven’t found anything you can afford, the best thing would be to save some money for a couple of months. In addition, bear in mind that a very cheap but functional feature phone might give you less headaches than a cheap and dysfunctional Android smartphone.

Before I begin enumerating the top cheap smartphones you can buy in 2012, I must make you aware of the fact that buying a smartphone that was released more than one year ago doesn’t mean you end up with a crappy smartphone. In fact, while conducting the research necessary for writing this post, I’ve come to realize that once you go down the price list, you’ll find that the best cheap smartphones are, in fact, older top-end smartphones.

Sony Xperia U

Sony’s Xperia U is the cheapest Android smartphone that the Japanese manufacturer has launched as part of its new and visually revamped Xperia NXT line. Although the design might not win everyone’s heart, the fact remains that the Sony Xperia U is probably the device that nears closest to the idea of a perfect cheap smartphone (the only thing that might not ring your bells is the fact that it was launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread although Ice Cream Sandwich has been available for more than six months), in about the same manner that the Sony Xperia P is an almost perfect mid-range smartphone. Sony is really starting to show its teeth in the mid-range and entry-level markets! Could it be that the next series of Xperia Android smartphones will also bring to light a truly top-end smartphone [...]]]>

Back a few months ago, I wrote an article explaining the top reasons why you shouldn’t buy a cheap smartphone. While I still hold true to the principle that you should always go for the highest-end smartphone you can afford, the actual reality is that many people simply can’t even afford to buy a mid-end smartphone (catch a list of the top mid-end smartphones of 2012 here), not to mention a top-end Android smartphone. And then, there’s the category of people that simply don’t want and need the ultimate best in Android smartphones. In these situations, the only remaining choice is to go for a cheap smartphone.

Judging on the fact that a top-end Android smartphone is generally priced at $600 unlocked, while a mid-end Android smartphone is usually priced at $350-$400, I would say that imposing a $250 upper price tag for a cheap smartphone should be a fair thing to do. If spending around 200 bucks on a smartphone that won’t suck badly is still too much for your budget, my advice is that you go for a refurbished or a second hand smartphone (start with the models in the mid-range list, and then continue with those in this list until you find something you can afford).

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you’ll purchase a cheap Android smartphone that is not on this list, you’ll probably end up regretting your choice. If you still haven’t found anything you can afford, the best thing would be to save some money for a couple of months. In addition, bear in mind that a very cheap but functional feature phone might give you less headaches than a cheap and dysfunctional Android smartphone.

Before I begin enumerating the top cheap smartphones you can buy in 2012, I must make you aware of the fact that buying a smartphone that was released more than one year ago doesn’t mean you end up with a crappy smartphone. In fact, while conducting the research necessary for writing this post, I’ve come to realize that once you go down the price list, you’ll find that the best cheap smartphones are, in fact, older top-end smartphones.

Sony Xperia U

Sony’s Xperia U is the cheapest Android smartphone that the Japanese manufacturer has launched as part of its new and visually revamped Xperia NXT line. Although the design might not win everyone’s heart, the fact remains that the Sony Xperia U is probably the device that nears closest to the idea of a perfect cheap smartphone (the only thing that might not ring your bells is the fact that it was launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread although Ice Cream Sandwich has been available for more than six months), in about the same manner that the Sony Xperia P is an almost perfect mid-range smartphone. Sony is really starting to show its teeth in the mid-range and entry-level markets! Could it be that the next series of Xperia Android smartphones will also bring to light a truly top-end smartphone as well ?

Advantages

Disadvantages

Android Authority Coverage

LG Optimus 2X

Many of you might not know this, but the LG Optimus 2X (In some places, the LG Optimus 2X is also known as the LG P990 Star or as the LG P990 Optimus Speed) was the first smartphone ever announced to use a dual-core smartphone. Sure, that happened more than one year and a half ago, meaning that the Optimus 2X is not exactly on par with newer dual-core smartphones, but it’s still a decently powerful smartphone, one that you can buy new and unlocked for around $240. At that price, I’m going to go ahead and claim that the LG Optimus 2X is one hell of a deal, as it is considerably faster than any other smartphone you’ll encounter at this price range. In many ways, it actually tops the Galaxy S2, but on the down side, it looks like it won’t get the ICS update. Considering that the original Galaxy S did not make on this list thanks to a >$300 price tag, there’s only one more thing I can say: Big up LG!

Disadvantages

Android Authority Coverage

LG Optimus Black

Released just a few months after the LG Optimus 2X, the LG Optimus Black was one of the thinnest Android smartphones at the time of its release. It’s a lot like a thinner and lighter but single-core Optimus 2X version, one that will set you back around $220. If thinness and design is what you seek, the Optimus Black is probably the best cheap Android smartphone you can purchase at the moment. In addition, given that is has the same battery as its dual-core brother, the battery life is significantly improved.

Disadvantages

Android Authority Coverage

Motorola Droid X (Verizon)

As you all know, neither of the GSM smartphones that I’ve listed above can be used on Verizon’s network, as Big Red uses a CDMA network. However, as Verizon is the most popular carrier in the US, chances are that many of you might be interested into a cheap CDMA smartphone.

The Motorola Droid X might not be as powerful as other smartphones on this list, but it is also the cheapest of them all (you can get it for around $170 from various retailers through Amazon.com). In addition, it is also the cheap smartphone on this list with the biggest display (4.3 inches), although one of the heaviest as well (155 grams). In short, if you’re on the lookout for a decently powerful Android smartphone for Verizon at a very low price, the Droid X is my personal recommendation.

Disadvantages

Android Authority Coverage

HTC Evo 4G (Sprint)

Since we talked about the best cheap smartphone you can use on Verizon’s network, it’s also probably fair to talk about the best cheap smartphone you can use on Sprint’s network. Launched as the first ever 4G smartphone, the HTC Evo 4G was just so good at the time that now, two years after its launch date, it still is a more than decent Android smartphone. Unfortunately, there are a couple of significant drawbacks, such as the fact that it is the heaviest (170 grams) device on our best cheap smartphone list in addition to also being the thickest (13 mm).

Advantages

Disadvantages

Android Authority Coverage

What you should not buy: Samsung Galaxy Mini 2

Spoiler: the Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 isn’t actually a smartphone I would recommend, in any circumstances. The only reason I’m including it in this post is to point out the huge differences between a cheap smartphone that blows and the ones listed above. It’s kind of funny (although definitely not in a positive way) to see that the Mini 2 is priced just about the same as the Sony Xperia U, given that the quality difference in all departments is really impressive in favor of the Xperia U. As a matter of fact, all the other smartphones on this list run laps around Samsung’s current entry level offer. The Mini is poorly specced, has a low-quality small display, not to mention it really isn’t a sexy piece of hardware. Out of context, the Mini 2 price tag of $200 (for the unlocked version of course) might not seem all that bad, but the bang for buck ratio is underwhelming when compared against other devices on this list. Here’s exactly what I’m talking about

Advantages

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Android Authority Coverage

Conclusion

So there you have it, these are the best cheap Android smartphones for 2012. Hopefully, you’ll notice that each one of the smartphones above has at least one strong suit when compared against the other smartphones on the list, as well as the fact that when compared against other entry-level offerings, the smartphones I’ve listed above are at least a couple of levels above in overall specs.

What’s your favorite cheap smartphone? Did we leave any stone unturned? Do you believe that there is a good cheap smartphone that we’ve omitted? Let us know in the comment section below!

Sony Xperia U owners have something that’s troubling their minds other than waiting for the promised Ice Cream Sandwich treat for the phone, as the device is plagued with a glitch that causes problems like signal drop and network disconnect. Luckily, the problems have been identified and a software fix will be released soon – apparently these issues also affect other Xperia handsets, such as the Xperia P, Xperia Sola and Xperia Go.

According to a staff member from the Sony Mobile forum, a new firmware for the Xperia U will be rolled out starting with early August. It’ll still be Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread mind you, but least it’ll be a more stable version.

As for the Android 4.0 ICS update for the Xperia U, Sony Mobile Italia has posted some details on its Facebook page. Answering questions about the ICS roll out for the phone, the team said that the ice cream treat will be handed out a bit later in August, but only after Sony’s done with bringing ICS to Xperia P. If you remember, this is the same source that provided information about Xperia P’s ICS update.

You may want to refrain from getting too overly excited yet, though. The official Sony Mobile support forum said that ICS for the Xperia U is scheduled to come “a little later in Q3,” which indicates that a September roll out is a more plausible date than an August one. Whether it’ll be the former or the latter, we’ll keep you posted.

]]>

Sony Xperia U owners have something that’s troubling their minds other than waiting for the promised Ice Cream Sandwich treat for the phone, as the device is plagued with a glitch that causes problems like signal drop and network disconnect. Luckily, the problems have been identified and a software fix will be released soon – apparently these issues also affect other Xperia handsets, such as the Xperia P, Xperia Sola and Xperia Go.

According to a staff member from the Sony Mobile forum, a new firmware for the Xperia U will be rolled out starting with early August. It’ll still be Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread mind you, but least it’ll be a more stable version.

As for the Android 4.0 ICS update for the Xperia U, Sony Mobile Italia has posted some details on its Facebook page. Answering questions about the ICS roll out for the phone, the team said that the ice cream treat will be handed out a bit later in August, but only after Sony’s done with bringing ICS to Xperia P. If you remember, this is the same source that provided information about Xperia P’s ICS update.

You may want to refrain from getting too overly excited yet, though. The official Sony Mobile support forum said that ICS for the Xperia U is scheduled to come “a little later in Q3,” which indicates that a September roll out is a more plausible date than an August one. Whether it’ll be the former or the latter, we’ll keep you posted.

The Xperia NXT series was first announced during the Mobile World Congress, back in February. The three devices in the series, the Xperia S, P, and U are not Sony’s standard bearers (that spot is reserved to the LTE-enabled Xperia Ion), but they do deliver nevertheless decent specs and a classy appearance.

Our biggest gripe with the three devices is on the software side. The Xperias come with Gingerbread on board, which is a crying shame, no matter how you look at it. However, Sony has promised updates to ICS (for now) for all its recent devices, and, up until now, they’ve been quite good at respecting their update schedules.

Sony today announced that you can now buy an unlocked GSM Xperia S, P, or U from its online store, from Newegg.com, and from other, unspecified, retailers.

The high-end Sony Xperia S will be available for a cool $559.99 in black and white, which is a bit pricey, considering that you can get an unlocked Galaxy Nexus (with Jelly Bean on board!) for $349, or an arguably better Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition for an extra $50. The unlocked Sony Xperia P goes for $479.99, in silver, red or black versions, while the smallest of the littler, the Xperia U costs $299.99, and comes in black or white.

If you’ve been swayed by Sony’s promise of a quick update to ICS/JB or you are enamored with the Xperia NXT design philosophy, you should know that the unlocked devices are only compatible with AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks.

Check out the full press release below for more details!

Show Press Release

Sony Mobile Communications Expands Smartphone Portfolio Bringing Xperia™ NXT Series to the US

Xperia™ NXT series launching as next generation smartphones from Sony Mobile includes Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U

Incorporating the best of Sony technology and premium entertainment, the Xperia NXT series provide easy connectivity. These smartphones also have an instantly recognizable design with the “transparent element,” a band that encircles the base of the phone and also integrates invisible antenna components. The transparent element illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

Xperia S combines an amazing HD experience with an impressive viewing experience through the high resolution 4.3 inch display with Mobile BRAVIA® engine, a 12 MP camera that takes pictures in just 1.5 seconds from standby.

With a full aluminum unibody design, Xperia P debuts WhiteMagic™ display technology from Sony for the first time on a smartphone. WhiteMagictechnology delivers the brightest viewing experience; whether at the beach or on the ski slopes. Smart power efficiency automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen to the surroundings to conserve battery life.

Xperia U combines powerful [...]]]>

The Xperia NXT series was first announced during the Mobile World Congress, back in February. The three devices in the series, the Xperia S, P, and U are not Sony’s standard bearers (that spot is reserved to the LTE-enabled Xperia Ion), but they do deliver nevertheless decent specs and a classy appearance.

Our biggest gripe with the three devices is on the software side. The Xperias come with Gingerbread on board, which is a crying shame, no matter how you look at it. However, Sony has promised updates to ICS (for now) for all its recent devices, and, up until now, they’ve been quite good at respecting their update schedules.

Sony today announced that you can now buy an unlocked GSM Xperia S, P, or U from its online store, from Newegg.com, and from other, unspecified, retailers.

The high-end Sony Xperia S will be available for a cool $559.99 in black and white, which is a bit pricey, considering that you can get an unlocked Galaxy Nexus (with Jelly Bean on board!) for $349, or an arguably better Samsung Galaxy S3 Developer Edition for an extra $50. The unlocked Sony Xperia P goes for $479.99, in silver, red or black versions, while the smallest of the littler, the Xperia U costs $299.99, and comes in black or white.

If you’ve been swayed by Sony’s promise of a quick update to ICS/JB or you are enamored with the Xperia NXT design philosophy, you should know that the unlocked devices are only compatible with AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks.

Check out the full press release below for more details!

Show Press Release

Sony Mobile Communications Expands Smartphone Portfolio Bringing Xperia™ NXT Series to the US

Xperia™ NXT series launching as next generation smartphones from Sony Mobile includes Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U

Incorporating the best of Sony technology and premium entertainment, the Xperia NXT series provide easy connectivity. These smartphones also have an instantly recognizable design with the “transparent element,” a band that encircles the base of the phone and also integrates invisible antenna components. The transparent element illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

Xperia S combines an amazing HD experience with an impressive viewing experience through the high resolution 4.3 inch display with Mobile BRAVIA® engine, a 12 MP camera that takes pictures in just 1.5 seconds from standby.

With a full aluminum unibody design, Xperia P debuts WhiteMagic™ display technology from Sony for the first time on a smartphone. WhiteMagictechnology delivers the brightest viewing experience; whether at the beach or on the ski slopes. Smart power efficiency automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen to the surroundings to conserve battery life.

Xperia U combines powerful Sony entertainment with a stylish and compact design that consumers can personalize inside and out. In Xperia U, the transparent element illuminates to match the color of photos viewed in the gallery or the album art of music tracks currently playing. Xperia U can also be personalized with exchangeable color caps and themes. With xLoud and Sony 3D surround sound audio technology integrated into the music player, consumers will enjoy a crisp and loud sound experience. They can also stream music from their Xperia U to wireless speaks using DLNA.

Pricing & availability:

The Xperia NXT series is now available in the US at Sony stores nationwide and sony.com/NXT, Newegg.com and other online retailers. Please check with each retailer for additional pricing and availability.

Sony has unveiled its new line of Xperia smartphones a long time ago, but the S-P-U trio didn’t enjoy a very smooth worldwide expansion. The mid-range Xperia P and the low-end U have been made available in select European countries both outright and with carrier contracts, while in the US there are only SIM-free, unlocked versions up for grabs.

Other markets have been even more neglected by Sony, including Australia, but things are set to change in “the land down under”. You can expect both the Xperia P and the Xperia U to be up for grabs in a matter of weeks for all you Aussie tech lovers, courtesy of Telstra and Crazy John’s.

Telstra, the nation’s largest mobile service provider, will be selling the Xperia P starting on June 26. The good news doesn’t stop there, though, because you’ll be able to get the P with no upfront payment if you go for a two-year carrier agreement and the AU$49 Freedom Connect Plan. The handheld will be made available with other plans as well, but the full details will only be revealed next week.

The Xperia P looks very similar to the high-end Xperia S, but sports slightly more modest tech specs. Don’t expect this guy to perform too shabby, though, because it does come with a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a decent 4-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with 960 x 540 pixels resolution.

Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread at the time, the P is set to be upgraded to ICS soon (we don’t know exactly when) and features a cool 8 MP rear-facing camera, 16 GB of internal memory, scratch-resistant glass, and Sony Bravia Engine technology. The 1,305 mAh battery is not very impressive and you also won’t get a microSD card slot, but, all in all, the phone looks pretty wicked for something you’ll be able to get for free.

Sony’s low-end Xperia U will come to Australia via Crazy John’s, a Vodafone subsidiary that doesn’t have many subscribers at this time. The carrier will be offering the U for free with an ultra-affordable $15 plan, but we don’t know exactly when is the phone supposed to start shipping.

This little guy’s specs and features are anything but impressive, but the chic design, dual-core processor, decent display and planned upgrade to Android 4.0 ICS will most likely attract some tech lovers on a tighter budget.

Both the Xperia P and Xperia U will be also made available in their unlocked, SIM-free versions in Australia, courtesy of Dick Smith’s and Sony Centre stores. The first of the duo will go for AU$449 outright, while the U will sell for AU$299.

Are you Aussie readers considering getting the Xperia P or U anytime soon? If so, will you be going for the carrier-branded versions or the unlocked models?

]]>

Sony has unveiled its new line of Xperia smartphones a long time ago, but the S-P-U trio didn’t enjoy a very smooth worldwide expansion. The mid-range Xperia P and the low-end U have been made available in select European countries both outright and with carrier contracts, while in the US there are only SIM-free, unlocked versions up for grabs.

Other markets have been even more neglected by Sony, including Australia, but things are set to change in “the land down under”. You can expect both the Xperia P and the Xperia U to be up for grabs in a matter of weeks for all you Aussie tech lovers, courtesy of Telstra and Crazy John’s.

Telstra, the nation’s largest mobile service provider, will be selling the Xperia P starting on June 26. The good news doesn’t stop there, though, because you’ll be able to get the P with no upfront payment if you go for a two-year carrier agreement and the AU$49 Freedom Connect Plan. The handheld will be made available with other plans as well, but the full details will only be revealed next week.

The Xperia P looks very similar to the high-end Xperia S, but sports slightly more modest tech specs. Don’t expect this guy to perform too shabby, though, because it does come with a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a decent 4-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with 960 x 540 pixels resolution.

Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread at the time, the P is set to be upgraded to ICS soon (we don’t know exactly when) and features a cool 8 MP rear-facing camera, 16 GB of internal memory, scratch-resistant glass, and Sony Bravia Engine technology. The 1,305 mAh battery is not very impressive and you also won’t get a microSD card slot, but, all in all, the phone looks pretty wicked for something you’ll be able to get for free.

Sony’s low-end Xperia U will come to Australia via Crazy John’s, a Vodafone subsidiary that doesn’t have many subscribers at this time. The carrier will be offering the U for free with an ultra-affordable $15 plan, but we don’t know exactly when is the phone supposed to start shipping.

This little guy’s specs and features are anything but impressive, but the chic design, dual-core processor, decent display and planned upgrade to Android 4.0 ICS will most likely attract some tech lovers on a tighter budget.

Both the Xperia P and Xperia U will be also made available in their unlocked, SIM-free versions in Australia, courtesy of Dick Smith’s and Sony Centre stores. The first of the duo will go for AU$449 outright, while the U will sell for AU$299.

Are you Aussie readers considering getting the Xperia P or U anytime soon? If so, will you be going for the carrier-branded versions or the unlocked models?